Post by ESPN on Jan 21, 2005 20:44:22 GMT
Friday, January 21, 2005
Ex-Dinamo star Kranjcar joins Hajduk
ZAGREB, Jan 21 (Reuters) - Former Dinamo Zagreb captain Niko Kranjcar has signed for rivals and league leaders Hajduk Split until the end of this season, Croatian state radio said on Friday.
The 21-year-old son of national coach Zlatko Kranjcar has moved to Hajduk for 1.5 million euros ($1.9 million) and Croatian newspapers said he would receive a luxury villa of his own choosing on the Adriatic coast for completing the deal.
The midfielder was hailed as Croatian soccer's new talisman only last year but was criticised for being overweight and lacking focus for Dinamo this season.
The Croatian international was placed on the transfer list in December after refusing to accept a pay cut and take the blame for Dinamo's poor league showing.
Disappointing results this term have already forced Dinamo to change their coach three times and negotiate salary cuts with other key players.
The domestic league resumes on February 26 with Hajduk top on 35 points and Dinamo languishing in seventh.
Dinamo have won seven league titles and Hajduk five since Croatia gained independence in 1991.